Chapter 6, Problem 3ATC

ATC 6-3 Research Assignment Comparing Microsoft’s and Intel’s operational assets

Companies in different industries often use different proportions of current versus long-term assets to accomplish their business objective. The technology revolution resulting from the silicon microchip has often been led by two well-known companies: Microsoft and Intel. Although often thought of together, these companies are really very different. Using either the most current Forms 10-K or annual reports for Microsoft Corporation and Intel Corporation, complete the following requirements. To obtain the Forms 10-K, use either the EDGAR system following the instructions in Appendix A or the company’s website. Microsoft’s annual report is available on its website; Intel’s annual report is its Form 10-K.

Required

a. Fill in the missing data in the following table. The percentages must be computed; they are not

included in the companies’ 10-Ks. (Note: The percentages for current assets and property, plant,

and equipment will not sum to 100.)

b. Briefly explain why these two companies have different percentages of their assets in current

assets versus property, plant, and equipment.